Evaporative HVAC Apparatus

ABSTRACT

An evaporative HVAC apparatus is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus provides an at least one absorbent wicking layer having a first surface and an opposing second surface, and an at least one thermal layer also having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The second surface of the at least one thermal layer is formed immediately adjacent to the first surface of the at least one wicking layer. An at least one fluid line is in fluid communication with the at least one wicking layer. Thus, a fluid is selectively delivered to the wicking layer through the at least one fluid line which, in turn, permeates the at least one thermal layer and evaporates into the air located immediately adjacent the exposed first surface of the at least one thermal layer, thereby affecting the temperature of the air.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation application of a prior filed and currentlypending U.S. non-provisional application having Ser. No. 14/834,288 andfiling date of Aug. 24, 2015.

This application claims priority and is entitled to the effective filingdate of U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 14/834,288, filed onAug. 24, 2015, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.non-provisional application Ser. No. 14/336,715 (now U.S. Pat. No.9,599,354), filed on Jul. 21, 2014, which is a continuation-in-partapplication of U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 13/789,632 (nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,429,346), filed on Mar. 7, 2013, which claims priorityand is entitled to the filing date of U.S. provisional application Ser.No. 61/607,950, filed on Mar. 7, 2012. The contents of theaforementioned applications are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The subject of this patent application relates generally to heating,ventilation and air-conditioning (“HVAC”), and more particularly to anevaporative HVAC apparatus.

Applicant(s) hereby incorporate herein by reference any and all patentsand published patent applications cited or referred to in thisapplication.

By way of background, evaporative coolers operate by releasing waterinto the air in order to obtain an acceptable degree reduction in airtemperature, dependent in part on the humidity of the outside air.Relying upon the thermodynamics associated with the conversion of waterfrom a liquid to a gas, the majority of evaporative coolers employ a fanor blower that draws hot outside air through a wet, porous media. Solong as the outside ambient air remains dry—typically below thirtypercent (30%) relative humidity—such coolers can provide cooling duringeven the hottest days of the year at a fraction of the electrical powerrequirements of compressive refrigeration coolers.

Operation of a traditional evaporative cooler has the blower drawingoutside air into the housing of the cooler, typically after the airfirst passes through a wetted media. Water in the wetted mediaevaporates into the dry air as it passes through, cooling andhumidifying the air in the process. The blower then exhausts the cooledair from within the housing and into the areas to be cooled, displacingthe warm ambient air with the cooled, conditioned, and humidified air.Evaporative heaters operate in a similar fashion, only using heatedwater in the wetted media so as to warm the air that is exhausted.

Maintenance of a traditional evaporative coolers and heaters requiresperiodic cleansing of the water reservoir. The number of operating hoursbetween cleanings is primarily dependent upon the operationalenvironment of the device. Such cleanings are important to maintain theefficiency of the unit, as well as to prevent an accumulation ofundesirable molds, fungus, and odors. Additionally, traditionalevaporative coolers typically require large amounts of water to cool theair, which not only hinders water conservation efforts, but also addsconsiderable moisture in the building in which the cooler is installed.Traditional evaporative coolers are also typically only able to operateefficiently in areas where the humidity is below thirty percent (30%).

Therefore, a need exists for such an evaporative device—both cooling andheating devices—capable of operating efficiently regardless of thehumidity level of the outside air, and without the requirements ofhaving to frequently clean the device or move large volumes of air orwater to achieve the desired air temperature.

Aspects of the present invention fulfill these needs and provide furtherrelated advantages as described in the following summary.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present invention teach certain benefits in constructionand use which give rise to the exemplary advantages described below.

The present invention solves the problems described above by providingan evaporative HVAC apparatus. In at least one embodiment, the apparatusprovides an at least one absorbent wicking layer having a first surfaceand an opposing second surface, and an at least one thermal layer alsohaving a first surface and an opposing second surface. The secondsurface of the at least one thermal layer is formed immediately adjacentto the first surface of the at least one wicking layer. An at least onefluid line is in fluid communication with the at least one wickinglayer. Thus, a fluid is selectively delivered to the wicking layerthrough the at least one fluid line which, in turn, permeates the atleast one thermal layer and evaporates into the air located immediatelyadjacent the exposed first surface of the at least one thermal layer,thereby affecting the temperature of said air as it moves across theexposed first surface of the at least one thermal layer.

Other features and advantages of aspects of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following more detailed description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way ofexample, the principles of aspects of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate aspects of the present invention.In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of an exemplary evaporative HVACapparatus integrated into an exemplary HVAC duct system, in accordancewith at least one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, inaccordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken of the encircled area 3of FIG. 2, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2, inaccordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view, with portions shown in phantom, of asubstantially rectangular-shaped evaporative HVAC apparatus, inaccordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5, inaccordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a partial exploded view of a further exemplary evaporativeHVAC apparatus, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a further exemplary evaporative HVACapparatus, with a portion of an enclosure of the apparatus omitted forclarity purposes, in accordance with at least one embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of a further exemplary embodimentof a substantially planar-shaped thermal core, in accordance with atleast one embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG.9, in accordance with at least one embodiment; and

FIG. 11 is a simplified schematic view of a plurality of substantiallyplanar-shaped thermal cores positioned within an exemplary HVAC system,in accordance with at least one embodiment.

The above described drawing figures illustrate aspects of the inventionin at least one of its exemplary embodiments, which are further definedin detail in the following description. Features, elements, and aspectsof the invention that are referenced by the same numerals in differentfigures represent the same, equivalent, or similar features, elements,or aspects, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to FIG. 1, there is shown a partial perspective view of anexemplary embodiment of an evaporative HVAC apparatus 20. As shown bestin FIG. 2, the apparatus 20 comprises, in the exemplary embodiment, anat least one housing 22 having an inner surface 24 that defines asubstantially tubular-shaped air passage 26 extending through thehousing 22. An at least one wicking layer 28, having a first surface 32and an opposing second surface 33 (FIG. 3), is formed immediatelyadjacent to at least a portion of the inner surface 24 of the housing22. Additionally, an at least one thermal layer 30, also having a firstsurface 38 and an opposing second surface 39 (FIG. 3), is formedimmediately adjacent to the first surface 32 of the wicking layer 28,thereby sandwiching the wicking layer 28 between the thermal layer 30and the inner surface 24 of the housing 22 and forming a substantiallytubular-shaped thermal core 84 (FIG. 4). Thus, as shown best in FIG. 4,because the air passage 26 is substantially tubular-shaped, the thermallayer 30, in turn, is also substantially tubular-shaped. However, in atleast one alternate embodiment, as discussed further below, each of thehousing 22, wicking layer 28 and thermal layer 30 may take on any othersize, shape, dimensions or configuration—now known or laterdeveloped—dependent, at least in part, on the particular context inwhich the apparatus 20 is to be utilized. The housing 22 furtherprovides an at least one fluid inlet aperture 34 through which a fluidline 36 extends a distance into the housing 22 so as to be in fluidcommunication with the wicking layer 28. In short, and as discussedfurther below, in at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 isconfigured for producing relatively cold or hot air by selectivelydelivering fluid (such as water for example) to the wicking layer 28 viathe fluid line 36 which saturates the wicking layer 28 and, in turn,permeates the thermal layer 30 such that a chilling or heating of theentire thermal layer 30 (depending, in part, on the temperature of thefluid and/or the temperature of the air moving through the air passage26) occurs as a result of the fluid within the thermal layer 30evaporating into the air located immediately adjacent an exposed firstsurface 38 of the thermal layer 30 (referred to herein as“nano-evaporation”), thereby changing the temperature of the air passingthrough the air passage 26. In other words, providing relatively coldfluid to the wicking layer 28 will operate to cool the thermal layer 30,such that air passing over the thermal layer 30 will also be cooled.Similarly, providing relatively hot fluid to the wicking layer 28 willoperate to heat the thermal layer 30, such that air passing over thethermal layer 30 will also be heated. It should be noted that whilewater is the exemplary fluid utilized by the apparatus 20 in at leastone embodiment, in further embodiments, any other fluid or combinationof fluids, now known or later developed, may be substituted so long asthe apparatus 20 is capable of substantially carrying out thefunctionality described herein.

In at least one embodiment, the housing 22 is constructed out of metal.However, in further embodiments, the housing 22 may be constructed outof any other material, or combination of materials, now known or laterdeveloped—such as plastic for example—so long as said materials arecapable of allowing the housing 22 to substantially carry out thefunctionality described herein. In at least one embodiment, the housing22 provides a substantially uniform outer surface 40, except fordiameter step-downs 42 at each of a first end 44 and second end 46 ofthe air passage 26 where the housing 22 is to be positioned in-line withadditional air ducts 48 (FIG. 1)—the step-downs 42 forming ductconnector segments 50. However, in further embodiments, the housing 22may take on any other size, shape or dimensions, now known or laterconceived, dependent at least in part on the context in which theapparatus 20 is to be used. For example, in at least one such furtherembodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the housing 22 may besubstantially rectangular-shaped. Additionally, in further embodiments,the first and second ends 44 and 46 of the air passage 26 may belinearly offset from one another—i.e., the first and second ends 44 and46 of the air passage 26 may not be in linear alignment in furtherembodiments. Thus, the particular sizes, shapes and dimensions shown inthe accompanying drawing figures are merely exemplary and should not beread as limiting in any way.

In at least one embodiment, the wicking layer 28 is constructed out ofan absorbent microfiber material capable of being saturated with fluid.However, in further embodiments, the wicking layer 28 may be constructedout of any other material, or combination of materials, now known orlater developed—such as cloth, cotton, paper wadding, cellulose fiber,or superabsorbent polymers for example—so long as said materials arecapable of allowing the wicking layer 28 to substantially carry out thefunctionality described herein. Additionally, in at least oneembodiment, the wicking layer 28 is permanently affixed to the innersurface 24 of the housing 22 using an appropriate adhesive or bondingagent—dependent, in part, on the materials of which the wicking layer 28and housing 22 are each constructed. However, in further embodiments,any other method, material, or combination of materials—now known orlater developed—capable of permanently affixing the wicking layer 28 tothe inner surface 24 of the housing 22 may be substituted. In stillfurther embodiments, the wicking layer 28 is removably engaged with theinner surface 24 of the housing 22, thereby allowing the wicking layer28 to be selectively replaced as needed. As mentioned above, the wickinglayer 28 is formed immediately adjacent to at least a portion of theinner surface 24 of the housing 22. In at least one embodiment, theentire inner surface 24 of the housing 22 is covered by the wickinglayer 28, which provides a wicking surface for the thermal layer 30, asdiscussed further below. In at least one such embodiment, shown best inFIG. 2, the wicking layer 28 is recessed proximal the first and secondends 44 and 46 of the air passage 26, immediately adjacent the ductconnector segments 50, so as to minimize fluid leakage into theconnecting air ducts 48.

In at least one embodiment, the thermal layer 30 is constructed of agypsum-ceramic casting. In a bit more detail, in one such embodiment,the gypsum-ceramic casting consists of two parts gypsum to one partceramic material formed from heated and expanded sand, providing amaterial of optimal weight and efficiency for casting. The resultingceramic matrix is a lightweight castable material, providing strength aswell as weight savings. This same optimal mixture ratio also provides acasting material that can sufficiently bond to the wicking layer 28.Thus, with the wicking layer 28 positioned against the inner surface 24of the housing 22, the gypsum-ceramic casting may be formed in situ toclosely conform to the first surface 32 of the wicking layer 28 and, inturn, the inner surface 24 of the housing 22, thereby overlying thewicking layer 28. Additionally, this gypsum-ceramic casting provides aninternal structure that permits a faster migration of fluid through thethermal layer 30, as well as the capability to retain more fluid whenfully saturated, the importance of which is discussed further below. Inan enclosed environment, the gypsum-ceramic casting allows the thermallayer to absorb humidity from the air to essentially create the effectof a humidifier. Thus, depending on the context in which the apparatus20 is to be used, the apparatus 20 is capable of cooling, heating,humidifying and dehumidifying the surrounding environment. In at leastone such embodiment, an internal structure of the casting containsfoamed ceramic. In further embodiments, the thermal layer 30 may beconstructed out of any other material, or combination of materials, nowknown or later developed—such as other types of hydrophilic gypsum-basedmaterials, terracotta, or ceramic for example—so long as said materialsare capable of allowing the thermal layer 30 to substantially carry outthe functionality described herein.

In at least one embodiment, the thermal layer 30 includes anti-microbialmaterial for better preventing mold, bacteria or viruses fromdeveloping. In one such embodiment, the anti-microbial materialcomprises zinc powder. In another such embodiment, the anti-microbialmaterial comprises silver. In still further embodiments, theanti-microbial material may comprise any other material or combinationof materials, now known or later developed, having such anti-microbialproperties. In an at least one further embodiment, as shown best in FIG.2, the thermal layer 30 provides an at least one anti-microbial plate52—constructed of zinc metal or the like—positioned within the thermallayer 30 proximal a terminal end 54 of the at least one fluid line 36such that the fluid passes over the anti-microbial plate 52 as it exitsthe fluid line 36. In at least one such embodiment, the anti-microbialplate 52 is configured for being selectively removable so as to bereplaced as it erodes over time. In a still further such embodiment,where the thermal layer 30 is constructed of a gypsum-ceramic casting,the anti-microbial material is mixed into the gypsum-ceramic casting. Inat least one alternate embodiment, the fluid itself containsanti-microbial additives. In still further embodiments, the fluid maycontain scented oils or other types of scented fluids for adding apleasant scent to the air as it passes through the air passage 26. Instill further embodiments, the fluid may contain alcohol—or any otherfluid or combinations of fluids having similar properties—for increasingthe cooling effect as the fluid comes into contact with the air in theair passage 26.

In at least one alternate embodiment, the thermal layer 30 isconstructed of a non-permeable material having sufficient thermalconductivity. In such alternate embodiments, fluid collected by thewicking layer 28 simply contacts the thermal layer 30 and, in turn,affects the temperature of the thermal layer 30. Accordingly, thetemperature of air passing through the air passage 26 and over theexposed first surface 38 of the thermal layer 30 is alsoaffected—thereby providing a radiant heating or cooling rather than anevaporative heating or cooling. In other words, providing relativelycold fluid to the wicking layer 28 will operate to cool the thermallayer 30, such that air passing over the thermal layer 30 will also becooled. Similarly, providing relatively hot fluid to the wicking layer28 will operate to heat the thermal layer 30, such that air passing overthe thermal layer 30 will also be heated. Additionally, in at least oneembodiment, the second surface 39 of the thermal layer 30 is permanentlyaffixed to the first surface 32 of the wicking layer 28 using anappropriate adhesive or bonding agent—dependent, in part, on thematerials of which the thermal layer 30 and wicking layer 28 are eachconstructed. However, in further embodiments, any other method,material, or combination of materials—now known or laterdeveloped—capable of permanently affixing the second surface 39 of thethermal layer 30 to the first surface 32 of the wicking layer 28 may besubstituted. In still further embodiments, the second surface 39 of thethermal layer 30 is removably engaged with the first surface 32 of thewicking layer 28, thereby allowing the thermal layer 30 to beselectively replaced as needed.

In at least one embodiment, as illustrated best in FIGS. 2 and 4, thefirst surface 32 of the wicking layer 28 is completely covered by thethermal layer 30 to ensure the formation of a dependable liquid pathwayinto the thermal layer 30 which forms the means for introducingsufficient liquid into the housing 22 in an appropriate manner toeffectuate the efficient nano-evaporative heating or cooling of thethermal layer 30 and, in turn, the air flowing through the air passage26. Additionally, in such an embodiment, the wicking layer 28 assists inthe even application of fluid to the thermal layer 30.

It should be noted that, in at least one alternate embodiment, thethermal layer 30 may be omitted altogether such that nano-evaporation ofthe fluid occurs across the exposed first surface 32 of the wickinglayer 28 and affects the temperature of the air passing through the airpassage 26. Furthermore, in at least one other alternate embodiment, thewicking layer 28 may be omitted altogether such that the fluid line 36is in fluid communication with the thermal layer 30.

In at least one embodiment, the exposed first surface 38 of the thermallayer 30 is convoluted so as to maximize the surface area of the thermallayer 30. The greater the surface area of the thermal layer 30, overwhich air is able to pass, the greater effect the thermal layer 30 hason the temperature of the air passing through the air passage 26. Theconvoluted first surface 38 also facilitates in the rapid tumbling ofthe air that passes through the air passage 26, thereby assisting toprovide an even distribution of air temperature by the thermal layer 30.In one such embodiment, as illustrated best in FIG. 2, the first surface38 of the thermal layer 30 provides a plurality of finger-likeprotrusions 56 extending inwardly within the air passage 26. However, itshould be noted that the particular configuration of the first surface38 shown in the accompanying drawing figures is merely exemplary andshould not be read as limiting in any way. Accordingly, in furtherembodiments, the first surface 38 may take on any other size, shape,dimensions, or configurations now known or later conceived, so long asthe thermal layer 30 is capable of substantially carrying out thefunctionality described herein.

In at least one embodiment, it is desirable that the fluid not “flood”or over-saturate the wicking layer 28. Accordingly, in at least one suchembodiment as shown best in FIGS. 1 and 2, the apparatus 20 provides afluid injector 58 interconnected with the fluid line 36 for regulatingthe amount of fluid travelling to the wicking layer 28. Additionally, inat least one embodiment, an at least one fluid reservoir 59 (FIG. 8) isprovided as part of the fluid injector 58, with a float regulator (notshown) utilized to obtain additional fluid from the fluid line 36 asneeded to maintain a desired fluid level in the fluid reservoir 59 andfluid injector 58. It should be noted that while the fluid injector 58is shown in the drawings as being positioned at the terminal end 54 ofthe fluid line 36, proximal the housing 22, in further embodiments, thefluid injector 58 may be interconnected with the fluid line 36 at anypoint along the fluid line 36, so long as the apparatus 20 is capable ofsubstantially carrying out the functionality described herein.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 further provides a timer(not shown) and a variable control valve (also not shown) interconnectedwith the fluid line 36. As such, in much the same manner as dripirrigation provides controlled amounts of water to plants, so too, thetimer and variable control valve supply fluid to the wicking layer 28 ona measured basis over time, eliminating the requirement to maintain astanding fluid reservoir 59.

In at least one embodiment, as illustrated best in FIGS. 5 and 6, thehousing 22 further provides more than one fluid inlet aperture 34 suchthat a separate fluid line 36 extends through each fluid inlet aperture34 so as to be in fluid communication with the wicking layer 28.Accordingly, depending on the size of the housing 22 and the context inwhich the apparatus 20 is to be utilized, the number of fluid inletapertures 34 and corresponding fluid lines 36 may vary in order toprovide an appropriate amount of fluid to the wicking layer 28 and, inturn, the thermal layer 30. In other words, the larger the housing 22,the more fluid inlet apertures 34 and corresponding fluid lines 36 thatwill likely be required.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 further provides an atleast one blower 60 in fluid communication with the air passage 26 andconfigured for moving air through the air passage 26. As such, dependingat least in part on the context in which the apparatus 20 is to beutilized, the blower 60 may be positioned upstream from the air passage26 (for pushing air through the air passage 26) or downstream from theair passage 26 (for pulling air through the air passage 26). In a stillfurther embodiment, a first blower 60 is positioned upstream from theair passage 26, while a further blower 60 is positioned downstream fromthe air passage 26. The blower 60 may comprise any type of fan or otherblowing device, now known or later developed, capable of moving asufficient amount of air through the air passage 26. Additionally, in atleast one embodiment, the apparatus 20 provides a power supply 62 and alength of electrical wiring 64 interconnecting the power supply 62 andthe blower 60 for selectively powering the blower 60. In still furtherembodiments, the power supply 62 is electrically connected to any othercomponents of the apparatus 20 that require electrical power.

In at least one embodiment, the at least one blower 60 is configured formoving a supply of ambient, unconditioned air through the air passage26. However, in at least one further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, theapparatus 20 provides an at least one booster unit 66 in fluidcommunication with the air passage 26 of the housing 22 and configuredfor appropriately modifying the temperature of the air before it entersthe air passage 26. Where the apparatus 20 is intended to producerelatively cold air, the at least one booster unit 66 is configured forgenerating relatively cold air, thereby effectively pre-cooling the airbefore it is moved through the air passage 26 so that the apparatus 20may produce even colder air. In one such embodiment, the booster unit 66is an air-conditioner. However, in further such embodiments, the boosterunit 66 may comprise any other device or combination of devices, nowknown or later developed, capable of generating an appropriate amount ofrelatively cold air. Similarly, where the apparatus 20 is intended toproduce relatively hot air, the at least one booster unit 66 isconfigured for generating relatively hot air, thereby effectivelypre-heating the air before it is moved through the air passage 26 sothat the apparatus 20 may produce even hotter air. In one suchembodiment, the booster unit 66 is a heater. However, in further suchembodiments, the booster unit 66 may comprise any other device orcombination of devices, now known or later developed, capable ofgenerating an appropriate amount of relatively hot air. Thus, in atleast one embodiment, the apparatus 20 is capable of functioning as ahybrid heating or cooling system, utilizing both nano-evaporation aswell as traditional air-conditioning or heating.

Thus, again, in at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 is designed toallow an efficient amount of air into the air passage 26 where it passesover the convoluted thermal layer 30 to achieve a desired degree of airheating or cooling (depending on the context in which the apparatus 20is utilized) in the shortest air passage 26 possible. Decreasing thesize of the housing 22 (and, thus, the air passage 26) as well asminimizing the overall weight of the apparatus 20 promotes ease ofinstallation while still achieving a desired degree of heating orcooling.

Additionally, in at least one embodiment where the apparatus 20 providesat least one booster unit 66, since the apparatus 20 in such anembodiment effectively leverages the air source of the booster unit 66,the apparatus 20 is capable of dramatically reducing the overall cost ofcooling or heating in at least two ways. First, each cooling or heatingcycle performed by the booster unit 66 results in a portion of theemitted cold or hot air being absorbed by the thermal layer 30 as theair moves through the air passage 26. As such, once the booster unit 66shuts off, the apparatus 20 is able to continue producing cold or hotair for a period of time by virtue of the thermal layer 30 retaining thecold or heat so as to continue affecting the temperature of air thatmoves through the air passage 26. Thus, the necessary run-time of thebooster unit 66 is reduced, which reduces the overall energy consumptionand extends the life of the booster unit 66. Second, in at least oneembodiment where the booster unit 66 provides relatively cold air, theheat sink-like thermodynamics employed by the thermal layer 30 functionin such a way as to result in more cold air being emitted by theapparatus 20 than what is actually being generated by the booster unit66. As such, in at least one embodiment, the output of the apparatus 20can be three to four times greater than the input, for example. Thus,where the booster unit 66 is a six-amp, 110-volt air-conditioner, forexample, the booster unit 66 is able to produce three to four times morechilling effect—with the assistance of the at least one housing 22—thanits nominal rating would indicate. With the addition of low amperagefans, the apparatus 20 can result in energy savings as high asseventy-five percent (75%). Furthermore, unlike traditional refrigeratedair-conditioning systems, the apparatus 20—in at least one embodimentthat incorporates at least one booster unit 66 providing relatively coldair—is capable of using less than twenty-five percent (25%) of theenergy required by traditional air-conditioning systems to produce anequivalent amount of cooling due to its “hybrid” construction. In atleast one embodiment, the various components of the apparatus 20 requireless than seven amps of energy, which is roughly equivalent to theenergy requirements of a consumer-grade vacuum cleaner. In at least onefurther embodiment, where the apparatus 20 does not incorporate thebooster unit 66, the apparatus 20 requires less than one amp of energy,which is roughly equivalent to the energy requirements of a 75-wattlight bulb. Additionally, while traditional evaporative coolerstypically raise the surrounding humidity level by sixty percent (60%),the apparatus 20—in at least one embodiment—only raises the surroundinghumidity level by roughly eighteen percent (18%), and only uses anaverage of 0.013 gallons of water per hour during continuous operation.

In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, where the apparatus 20provides at least one booster unit 66, the booster unit 66 has an atleast one coil 68 that is exposed to air such that condensation 70 isallowed to form on the coil 68. A moisture collection unit 72 ispositioned substantially underneath the coil 68 for catching thecondensation 70 as it drips from the coil 68. In at least one suchembodiment, the moisture collection unit 72 comprises a container 74configured for holding a volume of collected condensation 68. Themoisture collection unit 72 further provides a pump 76 interconnectedbetween the container 74 and the fluid line 36 such that the pump 76 iscapable of recycling the condensation 70 by delivering it to the wickinglayer 28 and, in turn, the thermal layer 30. In at least one embodiment,the moisture collection unit 72 further comprises an at least one waterfilter 78 positioned and configured for filtering the condensation 70before it passes into the container 74. It should be noted that whilethe water filter 78 is shown in the drawings as being positioned betweenthe coil 68 and the container 74, in further embodiments, the waterfilter 78 may be positioned at any point between the coil 68 and thefluid line 36, so long as the apparatus 20 is capable of substantiallycarrying out the functionality described herein. Accordingly, in atleast one such embodiment, the filtered condensation 70 held in thecontainer can serve as a source of potable water. Thus, the more humidthe environment in which the apparatus 20 is located, the morecondensation 70 (and, in turn, potable water) that is generated andcollected.

In at least one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the apparatus 20 furtherprovides an at least one air purifier 86 in fluid communication with theair passage 26 and configured for removing unwanted particulates andodors from the air as it moves through the apparatus 20. In at least onesuch embodiment, the at least one air purifier 86 is a bi-polarionization air purifier such as described in at least U.S. Pat. Nos.8,747,754 and 8,922,971, the contents of which are hereby incorporatedherein by reference. In at least one alternate embodiment, the at leastone air purifier 86 is a HEPA filter. In still further alternateembodiments, the at least one air purifier 86 may be any other type ofdevice (or combination of devices)—now known or later developed—capableof allowing the system 20 to substantially carry out the functionalitydescribed herein. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 furtherprovides an at least one air filter 88 positioned and configured forassisting in removing unwanted particulates from the air as it entersthe apparatus 20.

As mentioned above, in at least one alternate embodiment, each of thehousing 22, wicking layer 28 and thermal layer 30 may take on any size,shape, dimensions or configuration—now known or laterdeveloped—dependent, at least in part, on the particular context inwhich the apparatus 20 is to be utilized. Thus, the present inventionshould not be read as being limited to only those embodiments shown anddescribed. Additionally, in at least one embodiment, the housing 22 maybe omitted altogether. In at least one such alternate embodiment, asshown in FIGS. 9 and 10, rather than the at least one wicking layer 28and thermal layer 30 forming a substantially tubular-shaped thermal core84, they instead form a substantially planar-shaped thermal core 84. Ina bit more detail, in at least one such embodiment, rather than thewicking layer 28 being sandwiched between the thermal layer 30 and theinner surface 24 of the housing 22, the wicking layer 28 is insteadsandwiched between an opposing pair of thermal layers 30, with each ofthe thermal layers 30 and wicking layer 28 being substantially planar.Additionally, the exposed first surface 38 of each of the thermal layers30 is convoluted so as to maximize the surface area of each thermallayer 30. In at least one such embodiment, the first surface 38 of eachthermal layer 30 provides a plurality of finger-like protrusions 56extending outwardly in a direction substantially away from the wickinglayer 28. However, again, it should be noted that the particularconfiguration of the first surface 38 shown in the accompanying drawingfigures is merely exemplary and should not be read as limiting in anyway. Accordingly, in further embodiments, the first surface 38 may takeon any other size, shape, dimensions, or configurations now known orlater conceived, so long as the at least one thermal layer 30 is capableof substantially carrying out the functionality described herein. Withthe wicking layer 28 and opposing pair of thermal layers 30 soconfigured, fluid that is delivered to the wicking layer 28 via the atleast one fluid line 36 is able to permeate both thermal layers 30 andevaporate into the air located immediately adjacent the respectiveexposed first surfaces 38, thereby changing the temperature of the airpassing over the opposing thermal layers 30. In other words, in at leastone embodiment, this substantially planar-shaped thermal core 84essentially doubles the exposed surface area of the at least one thermallayer 30 over which air may pass. Additionally, in at least oneembodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 11, depending on the dimensions ofthe space in which the thermal core 84 is to be positioned, a pluralityof thermal cores 84 may be positioned in a spaced-apart arrangement(vertically and/or horizontally), such that air is able to pass betweenthe thermal cores 84 (i.e., forming multiple air passages 26), forfurther increasing the exposed surface area of the at least one thermallayer 30 over which air may pass. In a still further alternateembodiment, the thermal layer 30 may be substantially spherical in shape(or a cube, pyramid, dodecahedron, octahedron, or any otherthree-dimensional shape), with the wicking layer 28 positioned withinthe three-dimensional thermal layer 30, substantially encompassed by thethermal layer 30.

As discussed in detail below, the apparatus 20 may be utilized in avariety of contexts. In each such context, as mentioned above, dependingon the operational requirements of the apparatus 20 in a given context,the apparatus 20 may incorporate multiple blowers 60, multiple boosterunits 66, multiple fluid lines 36, and even multiple housings 22 (andair passages 26) in fluid communication with one another.

In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the apparatus 20is installed within an existing HVAC duct system of a building, with thehousing 22 positioned proximal a room of the building to be heated orcooled. As such, the relatively hot or cold air produced by the housing22 is discharged through an existing air register or diffuser 80. Asnoted above, the particular size, shape and dimensions of each of thecomponents of the apparatus 20 are dependent in part on the context inwhich the apparatus 20 is to be utilized. By way of example and notlimitation, in at least one embodiment where the apparatus 20 is to beinstalled within an existing HVAC duct system of a building, the housing22 is ten inches in diameter and twenty-four inches in length. With theat least one blower 60 capable of producing airflow in the four hundredto seven hundred cubic feet per minute (“cfm”) range, the housing 22 sodimensioned is capable of cooling (or heating) and maintaining a workingspace of plus-or-minus one thousand cubic feet. By way of furtherexample and not limitation, in such an embodiment where the apparatus 20incorporates a fluid injector 58 having a fluid reservoir 59, the fluidreservoir 59 having dimensions of seven inches by four inches canprovide an adequate amount of fluid for efficient operation of a housing22 so dimensioned. By way of still further example and not limitation,in at least one embodiment, the fluid line 36 may be a low-flow watertube of the type typically used to supply water to consumerrefrigerators. The resulting duct-located apparatus 20 provides a muchmore efficient way to regulate the temperature of a room, by furtherheating or cooling the incoming heated or cooled air, than is able tooccur using a typical unassisted heating or air-conditioning system. Inat least one further embodiment, the housing 22 (and air passage 26) maybe interconnected with multiple ducts, each having a separate airregister or diffuser 80 or, alternatively, each directing air through asingle air register or diffuser 80.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the apparatus 20incorporates a plurality of housings 22 (and air passages 26) in fluidcommunication with one another that may be arranged in parallel or inseries. When the housings 22 are arranged in series with one another,the blower 60 can be positioned at an intake end and used in tandem witha direction airflow nozzle 82 positioned at a discharge end to producean enhanced cooling or heating outflow of air. Alternatively, when thehousings 22 are arranged in parallel with one another, the apparatus 20can provide a “bundle” of enhanced cooling or heating ducts that arecapable of directing multiple streams of cooled or heated air to adesired location. In an alternate such embodiment, a single housing 22may be large enough to provide multiple air passages 26 formedtherewithin, each air passage 26 having a corresponding wicking layer 28and thermal layer 30 as described above, with one or more of saidmultiple air passages 26 being in fluid communication with one another.

In yet another embodiment, as best illustrated in FIG. 8, the apparatus20 may be sized for being portable or as a standalone personal heater orcooler for providing spot cooling or heating over a relatively smallerarea. In such an embodiment, the apparatus 20 is relatively small andlightweight, with the various components of the apparatus 20 containedwithin an enclosure 90; thereby permitting a single person to transportthe apparatus 20 to where it is needed for temporary cooling or heating,or for placement in a more permanent installation. Furthermore, becausesuch an embodiment only requires water and enough electricity to power asmall fan, the apparatus 20 can easily be powered by solar- orwind-generated electricity, or even by a relatively small generator.Such minimal requirements enable the apparatus 20 to be located off thegrid, which can be very significant in third world countries whereelectricity distribution is limited and electricity production iserratic. Another benefit of at least one such embodiment is that theapparatus 20 requires no external venting for purposes of heat exhaust.In other words, in at least one embodiment where the apparatus 20 isused as an air cooler, no hot air is expelled from the apparatus 20.This is because the apparatus 20 provides the at least one fluidreservoir 59 positioned within the enclosure 90, the fluid reservoir 59being in fluid communication with the at least one fluid line 36 andconfigured for supplying the fluid that is delivered to the at least onewicking layer 28 of the at least one thermal core 84. Accordingly, anyheat that is generated by the various components of the apparatus 20 asa byproduct of the cooling process is naturally stored in the fluid thatis contained in the fluid reservoir 59, given that fluid—particularly,water—tends to absorb and store heat better than air does. Furthermore,while the heat raises the temperature of the fluid in the fluidreservoir 59, that temperature is ultimately reduced as the fluid movesthrough the at least one thermal core 84 and evaporates into the airlocated immediately adjacent the exposed first surface 38 of the thermallayer 30. Thus, the apparatus 20 is capable of maintaining a balancedtemperature within the enclosure 90 without any need for externallyventing any generated heat.

It is to be understood and appreciated that custom cooling or heatingconfigurations might incorporate one or more of the above-describedembodiments and associated components, alone or in combination,depending on the context in which the apparatus 20 is to be utilized.

As mentioned above, the apparatus 20 may be utilized in a variety ofcontexts. In fact, the range of contexts and applications is quitebroad. For example, in at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 can beused in typical heating and cooling applications for residentialproperties, commercial properties, retail properties, industrialproperties, warehouses, factories, etc. Additional contexts include, butare not in any way limited to, schools, churches, clinics, hospitals,industrial shops and garages, clean rooms, cold storage facilities,refrigerated trucks, agricultural warehouses, animal husbandrystructures, animal shelters, produce storage, grocery store producesections, greenhouse heating and cooling, cooling grow lamps in indoorcultivation facilities, cooling photovoltaic cells, cooling highintensity lighting, cooling wine chillers and wine cellars, cooling theinternal components of an HVAC unit, cooling vehicle parts such asradiators (by positioning the ceramic matrix around the radiator to helpcool the water passing therethrough, for example), make up air forcommercial kitchens and laundry facilities, various militaryapplications, temporary structures, replacements for outdoor mistingsystems, etc. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 can also beused as a replacement for conventional air-conditioning or heatingsystems. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 can also be usedin a “spot cooling” or “spot heating” capacity in both indoor andoutdoor environments.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 can also be used as a“pre-cooler” for an air-conditioner or a “pre-heater” for a heater. Insuch a context, since many traditional air-conditioner condensersoperate at peak efficiency where the outside air temperature isninety-five degrees Fahrenheit (95° F.) or less, the apparatus 20 isable to pre-cool the air to ensure that the air temperature is withinthe optimal range. Additionally, as mentioned above, once the airreaches the appropriate temperature such that the condenser shuts off(with the fan continuing to operate), the apparatus 20 is able tocontinue producing cold air for a period of time by virtue of thethermal layer 30 retaining the cold so as to continue affecting thetemperature of air that moves through the air passage 26 and, in turn,the air conditioner ductwork. Thus, the necessary run-time of thecondenser is reduced, which reduces the overall energy consumption andextends the life of the air conditioner. Similarly, the apparatus 20 canbe adaptable to a broad range of water cooling and freezer applicationsas a cost-effective “pre-chiller.”

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 may be incorporated intoeither a return plenum 92 or a supply plenum 94 of an existing HVACsystem 96—again, for assisting in maintaining a desired air temperaturefor a prolonged period of time so as to reduce the necessary run-time ofthe HVAC system 96. In at least one such embodiment, where the thermalcore 84 is substantially planar-shaped, a plurality of such thermalcores 84 may be positioned in a spaced-apart arrangement (verticallyand/or horizontally), such that air is able to pass between the thermalcores 84, for further increasing the exposed surface area of the atleast one thermal layer 30 over which air may pass.

In at least one embodiment, where the thermal core 84 is substantiallyplanar-shaped, an at least one of such thermal cores 84 may be mountedin a spaced-apart fashion relative to a wall or a ceiling, substantiallyparallel with the wall or ceiling, such that a first one of the thermallayers 30 faces the wall or ceiling and the opposing second one of thethermal layers 30 faces away from the wall or ceiling (i.e., faces intothe room in which the wall or ceiling is positioned). In at least onesuch embodiment, at least one blower 60 is positioned for moving airacross the first one of the thermal layers 30, around an edge of thethermal core 84 and into the room in which the wall or ceiling ispositioned. Additionally, in at least one such embodiment, the secondone of the thermal layers 30 may have a porous, perforated or stainedaesthetic design applied thereto, in order to make the thermal core 84more visually appealing without hindering the functionality of thethermal layer 30. Additionally, in at least one such embodiment, atleast one moisture collection unit 72 may be positioned substantiallyunderneath the thermal core 84, for catching excess fluid that may dripfrom the thermal core 84, so that the excess fluid may be recycled bydelivering it back to the wicking layer 28 and, in turn, the opposingthermal layers 30.

In at least one embodiment, the apparatus 20 may be utilized in thecontext of cooling or heating water (or some other fluid) rather thanair, essentially allowing water to pass over the first surface 38 of theat least one thermal layer 30 rather than air. In at least one stillfurther embodiment, both air and water pass through (or across) thethermal core 84, such that the air temperature is changed by the firstsurface 38 of the at least one thermal layer 30 which, in turn, changesthe temperature of the water.

It should be noted that the above examples are intended to be a meresubset of all possible contexts in which the apparatus 20 may beutilized and are simply being provided to illustrate the wide variety ofthose contexts. Ultimately, the apparatus 20 may be utilized invirtually any context where heated or cooled air or water is desired.

Aspects of the present specification may also be described as follows:

1. An evaporative HVAC apparatus comprising: an at least one absorbentwicking layer having a first surface and an opposing second surface; anat least one thermal layer having a first surface and an opposing secondsurface, the second surface of the at least one thermal layer formedimmediately adjacent to the first surface of the at least one wickinglayer; and an at least one fluid line in fluid communication with the atleast one wicking layer; whereby, a fluid is selectively delivered tothe at least one wicking layer through the at least one fluid linewhich, in turn, permeates the at least one thermal layer and evaporatesinto the air located immediately adjacent the exposed first surface ofthe at least one thermal layer, thereby affecting the temperature ofsaid air as it moves across the exposed first surface of the at leastone thermal layer.

2. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiment 1, furthercomprising an at least one housing having an inner surface that definesa substantially tubular-shaped air passage extending through thehousing, the second surface of the at least one wicking layer formedimmediately adjacent to at least a portion of the inner surface of thehousing such that the at least one wicking layer is sandwiched betweenthe at least one thermal layer and the inner surface of the housing.

3. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-2, whereinthe housing provides an at least one fluid inlet aperture through whichthe at least one fluid line extends a distance into the housing so as tobe in fluid communication with the at least one wicking layer.

4. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-3, whereina first end of the air passage is linearly offset from a second end ofthe air passage.

5. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-4, whereinthe at least one wicking layer is constructed out of an absorbentmicrofiber material capable of being saturated with fluid.

6. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-5, whereinthe entire inner surface of the housing is covered by the at least onewicking layer, which provides a wicking surface for the at least onethermal layer.

7. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-6, whereinthe at least one thermal layer is constructed of a gypsum-ceramiccasting.

8. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-7, whereinthe gypsum-ceramic casting consists of two parts gypsum to one partceramic material formed from heated and expanded sand.

9. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-8, whereinthe ceramic material is foamed ceramic.

10. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-9, whereinwith the at least one wicking layer positioned against the inner surfaceof the housing, the gypsum-ceramic casting is formed in situ to closelyconform to the first surface of the at least one wicking layer and, inturn, the inner surface of the housing, thereby overlying the at leastone wicking layer.

11. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-10,wherein the at least one thermal layer includes anti-microbial materialfor better preventing mold, bacteria or viruses from developing.

12. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-11,wherein the anti-microbial material comprises an at least oneanti-microbial plate, constructed of zinc metal, positioned within theat least one thermal layer proximal a terminal end of the at least onefluid line, such that the fluid passes over the anti-microbial plate asit exits the at least one fluid line.

13. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-12,wherein the first surface of the at least one thermal layer isconvoluted so as to maximize the surface area of the at least onethermal layer.

14. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-13,wherein the first surface of the at least one thermal layer provides aplurality of finger-like protrusions extending outwardly in a directionsubstantially away from the at least one wicking layer.

15. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-14,further comprising a fluid injector interconnected with the at least onefluid line for regulating the amount of fluid travelling to the at leastone wicking layer.

16. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-15,further comprising an at least one blower in positioned and configuredfor moving air across the exposed first surface of the at least onethermal layer.

17. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-16,further comprising an at least one booster unit positioned andconfigured for appropriately modifying the temperature of the air beforeit moves across the exposed first surface of the at least one thermallayer.

18. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-17,wherein: the booster unit has an at least one coil that is exposed toair such that condensation is allowed to form on the coil; and amoisture collection unit is positioned substantially underneath the coilfor catching the condensation as it drips from the coil, the moisturecollection unit comprising: a container configured for holding a volumeof collected condensation; and a pump interconnected between thecontainer and the at least one fluid line such that the pump is capableof recycling the condensation by delivering it to the at least onewicking layer and, in turn, the at least one thermal layer.

19. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-18,wherein the moisture collection unit further comprises an at least onewater filter positioned and configured for filtering the condensationbefore it passes into the container, whereby the filtered condensationheld in the container is capable of serving as a source of potablewater.

20. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-19,further comprising an at least one air purifier positioned andconfigured for removing unwanted particulates and odors from the air.

21. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-20,wherein the at least one housing is configured for being installedwithin an existing HVAC duct system of a building.

22. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-21,further comprising a plurality of housings, the air passages of saidhousings in fluid communication with one another.

23. The evaporative HVAC apparatus according to embodiments 1-22,wherein the at least one wicking layer is sandwiched between an opposingpair of thermal layers, with each of the thermal layers and wickinglayer being substantially planar in shape.

24. An evaporative HVAC apparatus comprising: an at least one absorbent,substantially planar wicking layer having a first surface and anopposing second surface; a pair of substantially planar thermal layerseach having a first surface and an opposing second surface; the secondsurface of a first one of the thermal layers formed immediately adjacentto the first surface of the at least one wicking layer; the secondsurface of a second one of the thermal layers formed immediatelyadjacent to the second surface of the at least one wicking layer; theexposed first surface of each of the thermal layers being convoluted soas to maximize the surface area of the thermal layers; and an at leastone fluid line in fluid communication with the at least one wickinglayer; whereby, a fluid is selectively delivered to the at least onewicking layer through the at least one fluid line which, in turn,permeates the thermal layers and evaporates into the air locatedimmediately adjacent the exposed first surface of each of the thermallayers, thereby affecting the temperature of said air as it moves acrossthe exposed first surface of each of the thermal layers.

25. An evaporative HVAC apparatus comprising: an at least one absorbentwicking layer having a first surface and an opposing second surface; anat least one thermal layer having a first surface and an opposing secondsurface, the second surface of the at least one thermal layer formedimmediately adjacent to the first surface of the at least one wickinglayer; the first surface of the at least one thermal layer beingconvoluted so as to maximize the surface area of the at least onethermal layer; an at least one fluid line in fluid communication withthe at least one wicking layer; and an at least one blower in positionedand configured for moving air across the exposed first surface of the atleast one thermal layer; whereby, a fluid is selectively delivered tothe at least one wicking layer through the at least one fluid linewhich, in turn, permeates the at least one thermal layer and evaporatesinto the air located immediately adjacent the exposed first surface ofthe at least one thermal layer, thereby affecting the temperature ofsaid air as it moves across the exposed first surface of the at leastone thermal layer.

In closing, regarding the exemplary embodiments of the present inventionas shown and described herein, it will be appreciated that anevaporative HVAC apparatus is disclosed. Because the principles of theinvention may be practiced in a number of configurations beyond thoseshown and described, it is to be understood that the invention is not inany way limited by the exemplary embodiments, but is generally directedto an evaporative HVAC apparatus and is able to take numerous forms todo so without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Itwill also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the presentinvention is not limited to the particular geometries and materials ofconstruction disclosed, but may instead entail other functionallycomparable structures or materials, now known or later developed,without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Furthermore, the various features of each of the above-describedembodiments may be combined in any logical manner and are intended to beincluded within the scope of the present invention.

Groupings of alternative embodiments, elements, or steps of the presentinvention are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member maybe referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with othergroup members disclosed herein. It is anticipated that one or moremembers of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group forreasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion ordeletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group asmodified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groupsused in the appended claims.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing a characteristic,item, quantity, parameter, property, term, and so forth used in thepresent specification and claims are to be understood as being modifiedin all instances by the term “about.” As used herein, the term “about”means that the characteristic, item, quantity, parameter, property, orterm so qualified encompasses a range of plus or minus ten percent aboveand below the value of the stated characteristic, item, quantity,parameter, property, or term. Accordingly, unless indicated to thecontrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification andattached claims are approximations that may vary. At the very least, andnot as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine ofequivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical indication shouldat least be construed in light of the number of reported significantdigits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstandingthat the numerical ranges and values setting forth the broad scope ofthe invention are approximations, the numerical ranges and values setforth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible.Any numerical range or value, however, inherently contains certainerrors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in theirrespective testing measurements. Recitation of numerical ranges ofvalues herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method ofreferring individually to each separate numerical value falling withinthe range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value of anumerical range is incorporated into the present specification as if itwere individually recited herein.

The terms “a,” “an,” “the” and similar referents used in the context ofdescribing the present invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitableorder unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplarylanguage (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to betterilluminate the present invention and does not pose a limitation on thescope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the presentspecification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed elementessential to the practice of the invention.

Specific embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited in theclaims using consisting of or consisting essentially of language. Whenused in the claims, whether as filed or added per amendment, thetransition term “consisting of” excludes any element, step, oringredient not specified in the claims. The transition term “consistingessentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specified materialsor steps and those that do not materially affect the basic and novelcharacteristic(s). Embodiments of the present invention so claimed areinherently or expressly described and enabled herein.

While aspects of the invention have been described with reference to atleast one exemplary embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by thoseskilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather,the scope of the invention is to be interpreted only in conjunction withthe appended claims and it is made clear, here, that the inventor(s)believe that the claimed subject matter is the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An evaporative HVAC apparatus comprising: an atleast one absorbent wicking layer having a first surface and an opposingsecond surface; a pair of thermal layers each having a first surface andan opposing second surface; the second surface of a first one of thethermal layers formed immediately adjacent and directly attached to thefirst surface of the at least one wicking layer, thereby leaving theopposing first surface of said first one of the thermal layers exposedto and coterminous with a volume of open air immediately adjacentthereto, for allowing said air to come into contact therewith; thesecond surface of a second one of the thermal layers formed immediatelyadjacent and directly attached to the second surface of the at least onewicking layer, thereby leaving the opposing first surface of said secondone of the thermal layers exposed to and coterminous with a volume ofopen air immediately adjacent thereto, for allowing said air to comeinto contact therewith; and an at least one fluid line in fluidcommunication with the at least one wicking layer, thereby allowing afluid to be selectively delivered to the wicking layer in a positionbetween the thermal layers; whereby, the fluid is selectively deliveredto the at least one wicking layer through the at least one fluid linewhich, in turn, permeates the thermal layers and evaporates into the airlocated immediately adjacent the exposed first surface of each of thethermal layers, thereby affecting the temperature of the air movingacross the exposed first surface of each of the thermal layers.
 2. Theevaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an at leastone housing having an inner surface that defines an air passageextending through the housing, the at least one wicking layer andcorresponding pair of thermal layers positioned within the air passage,such that the exposed surface of each of the thermal layers is spacedapart from the inner surface of the housing, for allowing air to movethrough the air passage between the inner surface of the housing and theexposed surface of each of the thermal layers.
 3. The evaporative HVACapparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one housing is configured forbeing installed within an existing HVAC duct system of a building. 4.The evaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least onewicking layer is constructed out of an absorbent microfiber materialcapable of being saturated with fluid.
 5. The evaporative HVAC apparatusof claim 1, wherein each of the thermal layers is constructed of agypsum-ceramic casting.
 6. The evaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 5,wherein the gypsum-ceramic casting consists of two parts gypsum to onepart ceramic material formed from heated and expanded sand.
 7. Theevaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 6, wherein the ceramic material isfoamed ceramic.
 8. The evaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 1, whereineach of the thermal layers includes anti-microbial material for betterpreventing mold, bacteria or viruses from developing.
 9. The evaporativeHVAC apparatus of claim 8, wherein the anti-microbial material comprisesan at least one anti-microbial plate, constructed of zinc metal,positioned within each of the thermal layers proximal a terminal end ofthe at least one fluid line, such that the fluid passes over theanti-microbial plate as it exits the at least one fluid line.
 10. Theevaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the at least onewicking layer and the thermal layers is substantially planar.
 11. Theevaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 1, wherein the exposed first surfaceof each of the thermal layers is convoluted so as to maximize thesurface area of the thermal layers.
 12. The evaporative HVAC apparatusof claim 11, wherein the exposed first surface of each of the thermallayers provides a plurality of finger-like protrusions extendingoutwardly in a direction substantially away from the at least onewicking layer.
 13. The evaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a fluid injector interconnected with the at least one fluidline for regulating the amount of fluid travelling to the at least onewicking layer.
 14. The evaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising an at least one blower positioned and configured for movingair across the exposed first surface of each of the thermal layers. 15.The evaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an atleast one booster unit positioned and configured for appropriatelymodifying the temperature of the air before said air moves across theexposed first surface of each of the thermal layers.
 16. The evaporativeHVAC apparatus of claim 15, wherein: the booster unit has an at leastone coil that is exposed to air such that condensation is allowed toform on the coil; and a moisture collection unit is positionedsubstantially underneath the coil for catching the condensation as itdrips from the coil, the moisture collection unit comprising: acontainer configured for holding a volume of collected condensation; anda pump interconnected between the container and the at least one fluidline such that the pump is capable of recycling the condensation bydelivering it to the at least one wicking layer and, in turn, thethermal layers.
 17. The evaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 16, whereinthe moisture collection unit further comprises an at least one waterfilter positioned and configured for filtering the condensation beforeit passes into the container, whereby the filtered condensation held inthe container is capable of serving as a source of potable water. 18.The evaporative HVAC apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an atleast one air purifier positioned and configured for removing unwantedparticulates and odors from the air.
 19. An evaporative HVAC apparatuscomprising: an at least one thermal core comprising: an at least oneabsorbent wicking layer having a first surface and an opposing secondsurface; a pair of thermal layers each having a first surface and anopposing second surface; the second surface of a first one of thethermal layers formed immediately adjacent and directly attached to thefirst surface of the at least one wicking layer, thereby leaving theopposing first surface of said first one of the thermal layers exposedto and coterminous with a volume of open air immediately adjacentthereto, for allowing said air to come into contact therewith; thesecond surface of a second one of the thermal layers formed immediatelyadjacent and directly attached to the second surface of the at least onewicking layer, thereby leaving the opposing first surface of said secondone of the thermal layers exposed to and coterminous with a volume ofopen air immediately adjacent thereto, for allowing said air to comeinto contact therewith; and an at least one fluid line in fluidcommunication with the at least one wicking layer, thereby allowing afluid to be selectively delivered to the wicking layer in a positionbetween the thermal layers; and an at least one housing having an innersurface that defines an air passage extending through the housing, theat least one thermal core positioned within the air passage so as to bespaced apart from the inner surface of the housing, for allowing air tomove through the air passage between the inner surface of the housingand the at least one thermal core; whereby, the fluid is selectivelydelivered to the at least one wicking layer of the at least one thermalcore through the at least one fluid line which, in turn, permeates thethermal layers and evaporates into the air located immediately adjacentthe exposed first surface of each of the thermal layers, therebyaffecting the temperature of the air moving across the exposed firstsurface of each of the thermal layers.
 20. An evaporative HVAC apparatuscomprising: a plurality of thermal cores, each thermal core comprising:an at least one absorbent wicking layer having a first surface and anopposing second surface; a pair of thermal layers each having a firstsurface and an opposing second surface; the second surface of a firstone of the thermal layers formed immediately adjacent and directlyattached to the first surface of the at least one wicking layer, therebyleaving the opposing first surface of said first one of the thermallayers exposed to and coterminous with a volume of open air immediatelyadjacent thereto, for allowing said air to come into contact therewith;the second surface of a second one of the thermal layers formedimmediately adjacent and directly attached to the second surface of theat least one wicking layer, thereby leaving the opposing first surfaceof said second one of the thermal layers exposed to and coterminous witha volume of open air immediately adjacent thereto, for allowing said airto come into contact therewith; and an at least one fluid line in fluidcommunication with the at least one wicking layer, thereby allowing afluid to be selectively delivered to the wicking layer in a positionbetween the thermal layers; and an at least one housing having an innersurface that defines an air passage extending through the housing, thethermal cores positioned within the air passage in a spaced-apartarrangement, for allowing air to move through the air passage betweenthe thermal layers of adjacent thermal cores; whereby, the fluid isselectively delivered to the at least one wicking layer of each thermalcore through the at least one fluid line which, in turn, permeates thethermal layers and evaporates into the air located immediately adjacentthe exposed first surface of each of the thermal layers, therebyaffecting the temperature of the air moving across the exposed firstsurface of each of the thermal layers.